Because no one wants a soggy paperback or sunburn while reading.
Summer reading has always been a little bit magical for me. I’ll never forget my first real beach vacation as a kid — and honestly, the highlight wasn’t the sand or the waves. It was our family’s little tradition of stopping at the local general store to pick out a summer read. I must’ve circled that spinning rack a dozen times before landing on my very first copy of Black Beauty by Anna Sewell.
I was hooked — the story, the characters, even the way the pages smelled mixed with sunscreen and salt air. I read that book everywhere: under a beach umbrella, on the porch after dinner, wherever I could sneak a quiet moment. That little paperback started something for me. Every summer since, I’ve been chasing that same simple joy — a good book, a cozy spot, and time to just read.
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These days, my summer reading setup has definitely leveled up. From totes to waterproof accessories, here are my must-haves for making every summer reading session as perfect as possible.
Totes — Because Let’s Be Honest, One Book Isn’t Enough
Tell me why I think one tote will hold my book, sunscreen, snacks, water, maybe a blanket... and then end up juggling half of it.
If you’re like me, you need a roomy, sturdy tote (bonus points if it has a cute bookish quote). My current obsession is this Canvas Tote for Book Lovers — it fits everything, and the quote is absolute perfection.
Perfect for hauling your current read plus the two backups you swear you won’t need (but always do).
Beach Blankets & Picnic Throws
Sand in the book? Nope. Grass stains on the tote? Nope. A good waterproof-backed blanket is one of my unsung summer heroes. Big enough to spread out, cute enough for photos, and folds up like magic (or so I tell myself).
Waterproof Book Accessories (Learned This the Hard Way)
Let’s talk about the summer my paperback took a swim.
I was floating in the pool, perfectly relaxed, book in hand, when — WHAM — a rogue beach ball took me out. One dramatic flail later, and my poor paperback followed me straight into the water. Soggy pages, warped cover... total disaster.
That was the day I learned the hard way: waterproof pouches are not optional.
- Waterproof pouch for your Kindle (or paperback) — absolute lifesaver.
- Dry bag for your entire tote if you’re out on a boat, paddleboard, or just wildly clumsy (like me).
- Page holder clips — because windy beach days are not your book’s friend.
Sun-Smart Essentials
- A wide-brim hat (because hello, shade)
- Polarized sunglasses (trust me, your eyes will thank you)
- Clip-on reading light (yes, for outside — shady trees or late summer nights)
Stay Hydrated (Or, You Know... Keep the Coffee Flowing)
I never sit down with a book without something to sip. Whether it’s iced coffee, sweet tea, lemonade… or let’s be honest, maybe a summer cocktail. There’s just something about a cold drink, a good book, and the sound of pages turning on a warm day.
This is the tumbler that’s basically become part of my reading setup — because nobody likes watery coffee halfway through chapter 15. It’s simple, it’s cute, and it actually keeps drinks cold. And bonus? No spills when it inevitably gets knocked sideways by the dog, the book, or me reaching for snacks.
Kindle, Hardcover, or Paperback — What’s in Your Bag?
Kindle/E-Reader
Waterproof. Glare-free. Holds your entire TBR. The Kindle Paperwhite is practically made for the beach. Plus, no judgment when you jump from a thriller to a spicy romance because no one can see your cover.
Paperback
Lightweight. Toss it in the bag. Bend the pages. Break the spine (gasp — I know, but it’s okay, it’s well-loved). Perfect for the pool or beach.
Hardcover
Big. Heavy. Gorgeous. Not leaving the porch kind of reading. But if you’re staying somewhere for a while — cabin, rental house, shady hammock — hardcovers totally belong.
What's Your Summer Reading Format?
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📊 Reader Poll: What’s your go-to summer reading format?
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- All Things Books: Beautiful Libraries — For the days when your soul needs a bookish getaway (without leaving your chair).
- See All Posts in the All Things Books Series
Let’s Chat! Drop your essentials below — what’s always in your summer reading bag? Are you the person who packs one book... or five (plus a backup Kindle... just in case)?
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Loved this post — and that tote is the perfect size for tossing in sunscreen, snacks, and a few picture books for the little ones too! It totally brought back memories of my own summer reading kick-off. I think my first was Sweet Valley High — packed it for a beach trip and couldn’t put it down. There’s just something about summer that makes stories stick with you a little longer.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I’m so glad the post brought back those summer reading memories — and yes, that tote really is the MVP of beach days! I love that you mentioned Sweet Valley High — what a throwback! It’s amazing how certain books become part of our summer story, right? There’s just something about sun, sand, and a great book that makes it all unforgettable. Thanks again for sharing your memory — it made me smile! 💛
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